web analytics
Overview

Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Polsky Exchange is a 34,000 square foot startup hub featuring co-working space, a state-of-the-art Fabrication Lab, the Polsky Techbar, and a full calendar of programming and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas and technologies into startups.

Located in two buildings on 53rd Street in Hyde Park, the Polsky Exchange acts as headquarters for thousands of startups, including the 15-20 companies accepted into the Polsky Incubator. More than 3,200+ members have access to the full range of service and activities offered at the Polsky Exchange. Membership is free to all UChicago faculty, staff, and students, and community-based entrepreneurs with no affiliation to the University of Chicago can become a member and get access to the Polsky Exchange for a nominal monthly fee.

The Numbers:

34,000

Square foot of co-working space

10-20

Startups housed in the Polsky Incubator at one time

3,200+

Members

450+

Events and workshops

Upcoming Events
10
Feb
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): How Startups Miss Their Market and How to Avoid it with Jeff Berman (Part 1 of 2)
Tuesday, February 10, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
10
Feb
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: From Initial Call to the First 100 Days
Tuesday, February 10, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
10
Feb
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: From Initial Call to the First 100 Days
Tuesday, February 10, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
11
Feb
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): How Startups Miss Their Market and How to Avoid it with Jeff Berman (Part 2 of 2)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
13
Feb
Application Deadline: George Shultz Innovation Fund
Friday, February 13, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
17
Feb
Choosing the Right Entity for your Business
Tuesday, February 17, 2026  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
18
Feb
Team Building Reception: New Venture Challenge (NVC) and Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026  //  4:30 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
19
Feb
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): Financial Model Storytelling with Christina Hachikian
Thursday, February 19, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
Come Check Us Out!
Tour

Come Check Us Out!

Interested in seeing the space? Throughout the year, tours are offered at the Polsky Exchange to check out the space, discuss membership options, and meet members of the Polsky Center team.

Where to find us

Locations

The Polsky Exchange has two spaces located on  53rd Street in Chicago’s vibrant, Hyde Park neighborhood.

Contact

Questions

Polsky Exchange North
Polsky Exchange North

1452 East 53rd Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615

Hours

Open 7 days per week, 7 a.m. – Midnight
Phone: 777-702-2076

View On Map
Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab
Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab

1463 E. 53rd St., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615

Hours

Co-working space:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 773-795-0075

Fab Lab:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

View On Map

Up to $130 Million to Fuel Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Chicago

The University of Chicago and health care investment firm Deerfield Management announced today the launch of Hyde Park Discovery, a collaboration to advance the development of new drugs and other…

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyze your use of products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts.

Accept